Modded CD Player or Stock CD Player?

I've owned a couple of Dan Wright's (Modwright) modified Sony players, one, a 9000ES, with only the SS mods he did retaining and beefing up the stock power supply, the other a Platinum Signature modded 999ES with tube rectified external supply. I've also heard the same mod he's done to a 9100ES, but did not get a chance to compare it to anything. The tube vs the SS mod was easy to hear a difference. The SS emphasized detail overall, while being more hard-edged (obviously) than the tube-output units. His tube analog stage makes a big difference; I found these players more refined and smooth, perhaps giving an edge to the SS as far as pulling out the last bit of detail, but paying that back in spades with their smoother, more musical presentation, which I ultimately found more engaging. I've also listened at length to an APL modified Denon 3910 which sounded very nice indeed (sorry, did not hear stock in the same system). I have no doubt that talented modders can make a significant difference from stock. OTOH I have had a modified DAC which did not impress me at all, but I'll not name the vendor because I purchased it used and have no idea if the mods were as stated. I also had not heard the stock version on that DAC. My current front end is a Modwright Transporter, which I feel is the best digital front end I've had in my system. It just sounds right...it reveals things in a more natural and lifelike manner...ie sounds more like real music. Again, I have not heard a stock Transporter so cannot comment on the differences. Disclaimer: Modwright is one of my clients as a photographer and graphic designer. I was using and admiring his gear long before he was a client. I've also had the opportunity to compare a stock ARC LS-2B to a GNSC modded version of the same, with the same tube in the same system an same music. There was no doubt to two of us making this comparison that his mod made a difference there, though obviously this is not a digital front end. My system has varied much over the years so no real point in listing it here unless someone really needs to know. Mods can certainly make a difference - whether it is worth it depends on the one doing the mods, the system you are listening through (how revealing it may be - mine is and has always been pretty revealing, though certainly not in the unobtanium categories where mice scurrying across the back of the recording studio can be readily heard), and your expectations of bang for your buck, which would be affected by buying new or used, or having a stock unit you already own modded. Also, throw in the mix resale value of modded units and how that may impact your decision. Some mods hold their value while others may not. That's my .02 cents.

In my system, modded digital players have far exceeded the performance of any stock player I have had (Marantz SA-14, Electrocompaniet EMC 1-UP SE), and as a result I have owned more modded players than stock players.

The downside is that modded players depreciate like bricks. You'll recoup just pennies on the dollar for any investment in mods.

Therefore, I recommend buying used modded players, provided they are from reliable companies who will service the players if necessary.

I couldn't believe the sound from my modded Music Hall vs stock. It was light years beyond what my CAL Alpha with a Pioneer Elite could do.

I own a Music Hall 25.2 modded by PartsConnexion as a transport, and I'm quite impressed with the sound. I can imagine the 25.2 with full CD player mods is also excellent.